I1

Seems to me that a lot of these issues would be eliminated by a bit of general consideration for others. Mobile phone manufacturers seem to have provided quite a few facilities to make using your phone in silent mode very easy (e.g. vibrate on ring, profiles, even a voice activated profile switch, etc., voicemail, etc.). I bet the person whose telephone rings in the middle of a quiet bit during a concert does remember to switch their phone (ring) off when meeting a (potential) important business customer. With so many of these things around now I guess it can take only a small percentage of inconsiderate (or forgetful) people to create quite a nuisance. I’m sure I heard/read that hospitals have mobile phone detectors around. Maybe theatres/cinemas, etc. should have things so people can be reminded to switch-off (or silence) their mobile phone when they go in.

I have no experience of the different systems so cannot comment on which is best. However, I know some people who work for the company responsible for Tom-Tom and they are pretty "switched-on" people. My local Boulanger store is selling Tom-Tom equipment cheap at the moment (I have no idea who widespread Boulanger is in France nor if their discounting is common across different stores)

I guess, depending on where you are and thus how cold it might get in winter, if the property spends quite a bit of time empty a traditional "water circulating" type central heating system might be more costly to run in that a frost-stat may keep running up the boiler to prevent pipes freezing. Maybe others would know if this is a trivial cost over a winter or does actually impact the running costs (particularly if the house is empty for longish periods over the winter).  Also, is a minimal heat in property desirable to keep materials and fabric in better condition (i.e. less damp) or is the frost stat impact too small for this to be affected ?

[quote]Just as a side issue. Some "kind" person has "spoofed" my mail address from someone's address list and I'm getting (100+) mailer returns. So always make sure you run a virus checker (any one free or...[/quote] The same thing happened to my brother a couple of months ago and it took 4 or 5 days for it to "quieten down". Whilst we don't know how it happened he certainly did not have/had no caught any virus/Trojan/etc. software.  It may be that somebody else who had his e-mail address in their address book caught the virus and it happened to use his e-mail address from their address book. I certainly agree about running virus checkers as whatever the cause we all have other peoples addresses in our address books and thus has something of an obligation to protect them and not inadvertently pass them on to malicious sources.

I wonder how many people are actually "up-and-leaving" the UK to live overseas.  Quite a lot of people would appear to be purchasing property with the aims to emigrate at some time in the future. I used to think a lot were, mainly based on the (limited) “sample” that, as a caught the ferry to leave the UK, I got talking to somebody at the ferry port who just happened to be doing exactly the same – and I thus thought people were leaving the UK in large numbers. Also, how many are leaving the UK before retirement and how many then need to seek work (e.g. estate agency involvement gites, etc.). Are all these TV programs implying more people are doing this than actually are ? Does anybody know or have any feeling for it being commonplace or more unusual ?

I'm using the free "limited" Zone Alarm (at the moment). I'm not sure if I have a problem with ZoneAlarm stopping hard disk checks.  I have an NTFS drive and can check the disk (with surface scan enabled).  Phases 1 to 4 run no problem, but the surface scan seems to complete far too quickly - though no errors are reported. When using windows Firewall virtually nothing got logged (though I did not explore options for logging details).  However, when I 1st installed Zone Alarm it seemed to be stopping loads of things.  On occasions it was actually a Wanadoo server trying to get into my computer.  I don't know if this is ZoneAlarm being better or just logging more. When my Norton virus subscriptions run out I may change to a fuller version of Zone alarm that includes virus checking.  I am actually quite concerned about Anti-virus software after MacAfee "took-out" a Windows 2000 computer of mine when 1st installed (due to an issue MacAfee knew about).  If anybody has experience of the ZoneAlarm version(s) that include virus checking comments would be much appreciated.

I also use Wanadoo though with Outlook rather than Outlook Express. I have had the duplicate (blank) account problem once or twice. I don't know if it is a Wanadoo or Windows issue. One think I have found (with dodgy connections) is that if I am part way through Sending/Receiving mail and the connection drops, if I reconnect immediately, the connection asks for a password (presumably as Wanadoo think I'm already connected from elsewhere). This "lock-out" can last for several minutes (e.g. on occasions 10 mins or more) I don't use the Wanadoo dialler/environment but have set up my own windows dial-up connection as I find the Wanadoo software slow and painful. I do not have problems with Outlook doing this, though don't know about Outlook Express. The Wanadoo environment seems to have recognised that I'm using Outlook (2002) though if I press the "Mail button" in my browser it starts the Wanadoo environment (which is not a massive issue for me as I just don't press that button).

As a slight aside to the topic here, I installed SP2 because I wanted the Firewall (having had too many problems with Norton Personal Firewall) - and I ended up using zone Alarm anyway. However, several months ago (pre SP2) I did a "Windows Update" and found it enabled something to start auto-dialling out on my PSTN connection (something I never allow a process to do - always manual).  I investigated and could not find out who was doing this, but it definitely started after doing the Window Update.  There seemed a potential security issue here so I telephoned Microsoft who were totally uninterested and told me a) All Windows Updates are totally at the risk of the user and b) to call IBM (my PC manufacturer).  IBM's response was that they do not suggest Windows Updates as they tend to break things a lot of the time (a bit of the "if it aint broke don't fix it"). To me it becomes a difficult question - all these security scares that may or may not affect me and yet the fix may be worse than the problem.  At least with the "security risk" my computer works yet after an update there is a chance it wont work any more.  What is the correct thing to do !!

Fourwinds, you mention about a France Telecom English speaking service (which you say is impossible to get through to). I've been having a few problems with the quality of my line and when I get through to the normal 1013 service have language difficulites (which makes things harder rather than impossible). Do you have the number for this English Service as I might give it a go sometime. Many thanks

I have not had problems with XP Service Pack 2 though for almost 1 year had major problems with Olitec drivers for a PSTN dial-up modem. They would work fine for a few days then would "lock". The computer would continue to work but the dial-up would stay either connected or disconnected and nothing you could do would change it. Doing an orderly computer shut-down would say about several processed that would not exit and you had to "End Now" on them. After that the computer would stay at the "Saving Settings" stage until you powered-off the computer (in my case by pressing and holding the power key). It got to be such a nuisance that I purchased a new (different) modem which worked fine (so I think it may easily have been the Olitec drivers). I had downloaded the latest drivers from Olitec's site a couple of times but it didn't solve anything. I've now got an new modem as well as ADSL so have not had problems for several months.

I've been using the Weather Underground site (for forecast info) amongst others for some time but have just found what I think is a really nice feature. Near the bottom of some of the specific town pages there is sometimes a list of one or more links to "Personal Weather Stations". It seems that some enthusiasts purchase computer connected weather instruments and then in-turn pass their current weather data on to Weather Underground (possibly others). You can then view their individual weather station information. These personal weather stations tend to update frequently (e.g. every 15 minutes), so you can tell e.g. if the rain has moved past there town yet. I have a few times used such a site when I wanted to visit somewhere (1 hr away) and wanted to know what the weather was like there before departing. For example http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/07157.html has several Personal Weather Stations listed at the bottom. Not all cities have them and different "Personal Weather Stations" present different information in different formats (I guess it depends on the equipment being used) Others may find such info interesting or useful.

My comment on the apostrophe (and the associated organisation) was because I found it amusing and thought others might as well.  I was not passing opinion. I mention the issue on poor grammar as it is "general forum (all forums everywhere) manners".  A bit like if you are invited out to dinner and are served a rather chewy steak - you are polite and say how nice it was.  I agree that things are easier to read with perfect grammar, spelling, etc. but we are not all wizards with the keyboard, nor do we all have all the time in the world to keep checking everything (some people may be on a time limited or pay-as-you-go dial-up link, etc.  There are many possible reasons why a few characters may have been omitted (and I understood it fine). I mention about causing offence because there are some people on some forums (including this one) who will jump to conclusions and then start being quite rude in their responses.  I wanted to make sure that nobody took my comments that way and that nobody started a "big thing" of the minor comment I was making. (I now notice that this forum does have a spell check button - which I had missed previously)

I believe DEFRA have said that the old paperwork can be issued due to the lack of the new paperwork.  However, unfortunately, they had previously said that after the 30 Sept 2004 old paperwork can no longer be issued - and this information was well circulated.  The "if you can't get new paperwork, get your vet to issue the old" seems to be being done "casually" and rather unofficially.  Unless it becomes a well circulated official policy I doubt many vets will issue "old paperwork" and risk people being rejected at their "check-in". I don't know about France to UK, but before initially moving out, when getting my papers prepared by my UK vet they were very clear about the fact that they had no liability if my dog was not allowed to travel for any reason.  apparently another patient had been issued with PETS forms and the owners were now talking about suing the vet as their dog were not allowed to travel (for some undisclosed reason). I checked with my vet again yesterday and still none of the new passports available.

Quote: we are a long time apart with the BF one I don't know if you are aware (or maybe already take advantage of it), though on the Brittany Ferries crossings you are allowed to visit your pets in your vehicle.  I have only used the Portsmouth/Caen crossings overnight and every time have gone and asked the night steward if I can visit the animals and he has taken me to the car deck, let me in and allowed me to check they are well.  This is not an informal "if he is cooperative" but is an official thing (as I asked at the information desk on a crossing before taking my pets).  I don't know if it applied to other crossings or daytime crossings but may be worth asking if it would suit you (etc.).

I almost certainly did everything wrong, so my experience below is in no way contradicting what others have said, nor making any recommendations.  Also, I'm not complaining about e.g. Newcastle. Before moving I applied for my E106.  Unfortunately, it took so long to come in that I had moved long before it ended-up arriving (be aware it can take some time -3 or 4 months in my case).  Thus, before moving to get some cover I got an E111.. I then went to register with CPAM and they rejected the E106 because a) My address was wrong (i.e. my old UK address) and b) The DWP ? had made a typo' in the "valid from" date and it didn't start cover until 1/Jan/2005.  The wrong address was not much of an issue and had that been the only thing then it would not have been a problem. However, I needed to see a doctor and asked them what I should do.  They asked if I had an E111 (which I did) and they said I should use that.  I have read somewhere that the UK were starting to fine people for "invalid use" of an E111.  Maybe whoever wrong it was wrong but I raised this with CPAM and they said that as they were refunding my costs under the E111, it had nothing to do with UK authorities.  CPAM were very helpful, “down to earth”, etc. which came as quite a shock after my (limited) experiences with the UK authorities. I sent back my "faulty" E106 with a covering letter asking a replacement could now be treated as urgent.  A replacement then took 3 months (at least) to arrive. If you do not have all the paperwork you need (E106, E121, whatever) when you actually move I would suggest getting E111's as a contingency.

Kevinmc: It is very ban manners/bad "form" to comment on or criticise other peoples grammar/spelling in a forum (particularly one that does not include spell checkers). This is general practice in all forums. Anyway; I am pretty cynical about Estate Agents. When I sold my UK property and purchased my French one I had issues (though nothing like as serious as yours) with both agents. My UK Estate Agents decided to contact my UK solicitor as ask that they fee just be deducted directly from the sale funds and they never intended to send me a bill/invoice for approval of the amount or anything. It then became apparent they were trying for their percentage of the advertised price rather than the actual sale price (which was rectified once I got to see the invoice). Also, I purchased through an organisation that combined the Estate Agency services and Legal/Translation services (who I obviously cannot name). They omitted to spot things failed to check documents, were slow, etc. Their attitude was "we are in charge of this and to be honest you (the customer) are not relevant in it". I actually went to sign for "completion" without (to my knowledge" anybody having actually checked the contract). Fortunately the British employee in France and the French Agent were helpful and we went through everything the morning before the signing in the afternoon. As a "comment" and my personal experience, one of the reasons I moved to France and left business was the gradual change of "attitude" in business where, when I first started it was "a fair price for a fair job", but more recently has migrated to "the need to extract as much money from the customer as possible". This response has been written without any use of the apostrophe. However without wanting to denigrate the apostrophe, a good/amusing example I heard from the “Apostrophe Protection Society” (which really does exist: http://www.apostrophe.fsnet.co.uk/) was “There was no food in the house so I ate the dogs” or “There was no food in the house so I ate the dog’s”. I am being trivial here and am not trying to upset anybody – so don’t take it the wrong way.

Good luck with your meeting. One thing I have read (which others may be able to confirm/deny) is that once you have your permission (the bit of paper), you must display it (or a copy !) on the property (not sure where but I'm sure there are regulations again) for others to see and it must stay there until the works are complete.  I understand that you must start to display it as soon as you get permission (even if you are not going to start work for a time).

I don't know about the true "regulations" and I guess what you want depends on what you a planning to do (e.g. a few extra DIY sockets or work as a professional). However, Leclerc has a number of booklets on how to do various things in your house (including one on electrical stuff). Also Leroy Merlin has pamphlets on different DIY tasks (including one on electrical things). Also, Leroy Merlin do sell quite a few book. I've not actually seen them in their stores though have on their web site (http://www.leroymerlin.fr/mpng2-front/pre?zone=zonecatalogue&idLSPub=1048863677). Hope this helps.

I actually started discussing this in a different thread with regard to planning permissions needed, but would appreciate any opinions and comments in terms of what French people like in conversions (or any other comment/advice). I am looking to convert an attic (11,2m x 7,7m roof starts about 1,5m above floor) into bedrooms and bathroom (no bath). I have been told that French people like fewer large rooms rather than more smaller rooms. The house currently has 2 very large bedrooms. I have been told (by a French Estate Agent) that a bedroom should definitely not be smaller than 12 sq m (12 sq m is an absolute minimum). My choice is to go for two larger bedrooms and end up with a 4 bedroom property or 3 smaller bedrooms and end up with a 5 bedroom property. Given that the existing two bedrooms are large, squeezing 3 smaller rooms into an attic may be a bit "out-of-character" with the rest of the house (which is very spacious). If I were doing the work for a British market then I would split both the existing bedrooms (which are massive as well as building 3 bedrooms in the attic giving 7 bedrooms (there is plenty of room for additional bathrooms around), but in practice a French person is more likely to end up buying it. I'm not a developer and not actually planning to sell, I just enjoy the challenge and enjoy improving.

I don't know how much areas differ.  My house actually sits across the border between two comunes.  For work on one side I go to one mairie, the other side the other marie.  Both are small rural communities where everybody knows exactly what everybody is doing (at least if you speak French they probably do).  Being the only English person in one of the communies and the other has only one other Brit (who has been there for years), I tend to get noticed.  People regularly comment (positively) on the work I have done to the house.  If I break any rules it is bound to be noticed (being noticed is one thing but I have no idea how likely they are to actually do anything about it)

Seems very different to the UK. Ignoring my Velux windows, do people think that my attic conversion (attic already has a wooden floor and permanent stairs) requires any permissions atall or can I just "do it".  I can treat the Velux windows as a separate issue - apply for it, fit them wait a week then decide to convert the attic if I would not need any permissions for the internal works. Without the need for any permissions to convert the internal open area to bedrooms, life would be very easy.  It is such a contrast to the UK where anything (particularly on a 3rd floor) would need all sorts of pre approvals, building regs inspections during works and a final sign-off certificate.   Locals (dry-wall builder and also a roofer) have told me the floor and roof are strong enough (its an old watermill so everything was built to take quite a lot of weight). I would also appreciate opinions on what I'm planning to build as I believe that French and British "tastes" are different - though I'll start a new thread.

I've just discovered a water heater in a roof space that has been left on for the last year (full of water, but never used and the house is on a central heating boiler) - must have wasted quite a bit on money !! I'm trying to get a plumber to fit an instant heat boiler for hot water rather than keep a tank full hot the whole time. Before I moved out to France, for the previous 20 years in my house(s) in the UK I always had instant heat boilers for hot water (actually combi-boilers that did the central heating as well) and they were great. They don't take long to get to heat (I never noticed a delay in the hot water coming through), you have unlimited hot water (the tank never runs-out) and they only heat the water you are going to use there and then (no heat loss from a hot water tank. Problem I'm having is to actually get a plumber to come round to quote. I don't like to hassle them too much (in case this annoys them), but at the same time, if you don't pester a bit, then you never get anything done. Is this a general problem is France or just in my area (or just me).

I guess geothermal doesn't require a south facing roof and (what some people consider) unsightly pannels on display. When I lived in the UK a neighbour who was considering options told me that there are two "styles" of geothermal.  One where the bit in the ground goes predominantly down (i.e. you dont have loads of land), the other where the bit in the ground is more horizontal and thus covers more land area. I would be very interested if anybody has any prices (together with the power output of the associated system). Also, do installers allow you to dig the preparation holes/land works (to keep the costs down) ? Also, if you are getting 4kW got the price of 1kW (electricity), is electricity less that 4 times the price of the cheapest fuel (per kW).

In my ignorance (and as I hope to convert and attic): I had always thought that planning permission was sought from the local mairie ? Do you need to apply to the DDE as well/instead (and who are the DDE - I assume the departmental building works controllers, but I'm not sure). My attic already has a floor and windows, though no interior walls (room for 2 large or 3 smaller bedrooms and a bathroom). I will need to apply for permission to add a couple of velux windows. I had been told (though realised I needed to make additional checks) that if you were not making changes to the exterior, then you need no permissions. However, once completed you must tell the mairie what you have done as it affects your habitable area and thus property tax. Also, when making the changes, I have been told (though am not convinced about this) that there are no real building regulations you need to comply with. The electrical work will need inspecting, etc. but I was told that was pretty well it. I had my doubts about this and I guess I'm now starting to check before starting teh actual work. Any comments much appreciated.

I have quite a high volume to heat and use a rather old boiler powered by LPG. It costs a lot to run in winter, but I have no comparison to other fuels in teh house so cannot really say it's more/less expensive than anything else. Fortunately the boiler has one of those "external burner" devices that you can change for a burner that uses different fuel, so I have been thinking about cost saving possibilities. Some time ago somewhere I saw comparitive prices for the different fuel sources for 1kW of power (in France). My (uninformed) thought is that however you get your heat (for water/central heating) 1kW is the same (i.e. 1kW oil heat is the same as 1kW LPG heat which is the same as 1kW electric heat, etc.). This, ignoring practical considerations (storage, availability of town gas, etc.) the cheapest solution would be the one with the lowest cost per kW. If anybody has those fignures (or knows where they are) I would certainly appreciate them.